ORLANDO, Fla. — Hundreds of people gathered in Baldwin Park on Saturday morning for the 16th annual "Out of the Darkness" 5K walk. The event raises money for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Walking through the crowds of people gathered around Lake Baldwin, it was near impossible to find someone who wasn't carrying a story with them. Some shared photos, others posted handwritten notes, and Lisa Irwin recalled memories about her son Austin.

"Austin was the class clown. He made everyone smile, he was the jokester," said Irwin. "To him, M.O.M was 'made of money'-- is what it stood for," she laughed.

Irwin and her daughter wore their heart on their sleeve. For Lisa, it was a portrait of Austin tattooed on her arm. Similarly, Austin's football number (#62) is inked on her daughter's forearm.

Even one of his best friends found a way to memorialize him after she had her son. "Her son has actually got [Austin's] middle name. Very touching," said Irwin.

Austin died by suicide when he was 16, and this month will mark nine years without him.

Event sponsors had also been personally affected by suicide or had a loved one who has persevered against depression. They hope the event is cathartic for every family dealing with a loss.

"When you allow someone to tell their story, that's how you help them heal," said John Crossman, CEO of Crossman Career Builders.

Likewise, they say the event also offers resources to those who are currently facing depression.

"It's really important for me to be out here, and let people know there's support," said Nathan Meeks of Meeks Capital.

Both Crossman and Meeks say they hope to raise $200 thousand for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention this year. The Irwin family alone says they have contributed over $2,000 after collecting donations.

"It's a humbling moment. It's somber, but we're raising money to prevent other families from going through what we went through," said Irwin.